When winter hits, it’s very tempting to go into hibernation mode, cosy up and stay inside with a cup of hot tea and, close the doors, stick the fire on and wait for spring. Who wants to brave the elements to go outside to get exercise? And, even if you are very disciplined and manage to keep a healthy diet over the winter, it isn’t enough to maintain your overall health. Exercise needs to be a part of your lifestyle, no matter what time of year it is. So, what better time is there to join a gym, than when winter hits?
Even though you may not be able to take part in some of the things you enjoy over the summer, like going on a hike, or walks on the beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy at the gym. There are so many different types of equipment and exercises to try ensuring you’ll always be challenged –the thread-mills and cardio room of your local can be the best place to hit your fat loss goals and keep your cardiovascular health in check over the winter, plus the gym a really great place to socialise or make friends.
Thats why working out in a warm, bright, dry & friendly gym can be a lifesaver and help keep you active and healthy over the winter months.
The best thing about having a gym membership in the Winter is that your exercise routine is not weather dependent! You might consider yourself an outdoors person but it gets extremely difficult to get any type of consistent outdoors exercise in the Winter with Irish weather being so unpredictable, cold windy and rainy!
Working out during the winter also helps us to fight off many diseases and illnesses, which has never been more important during these pandemic times. There are many studies which indicate that exercise helps us to increase our immune systems, which is so important to keep your immune system strong during the winter months.
In fact, just maintaining regular, moderate exercise can offer us protection against colds and flus and viruses. People who engage in regular exercise have healthier immune systems, indicating more virus and bacteria- fighting cells.
As the days draw shorter and get darker, many people find that their mood gets lower and the winter-blues set in. This is why its especially important to establish an exercise routine over the Winter.
Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood.
You’ve often heard the phrase – Summer bodies are made in the winter! Its very true! The winter is the best way to start building healthy habits into your life that will help you earn and maintain your desired physique and avoid those crash diets and crazy workout routines and panic come next spring! Slow and steady really does win the fitness race, especially if you’re in it for the long haul!
When choosing a gym to join this Winter, don’t just go with the gym that’s necessarily the closest. Do your research first, otherwise you’re not as likely to stick with your exercise plan.
Make sure it has a friendly environment, as well as flexible opening hours and equipment and facilities that you’ll actually make use of. If they don’t, keep looking for something better suited to your needs.
Just because winter has set in, you don’t have to put your active lifestyle on hold. Find a friend to join a gym with you, and you can spend the winter getting out, having fun and getting much needed exercise to keep yourself active, healthy and happy.
